Sexual Offence Expert Evidence Panel - Stream 2

Brief

APPLICATION OVERVIEW FOR STREAM 2 The Department of Justice, in response to recommendations of the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce Hear her voice, Report Two, has established a Sexual Offence Expert Evidence Panel (Panel). The Panel is being piloted for a two-year period in two locations - Brisbane and Townville – and will have the following two functions: to provide expert evidence as to the defendant's cognitive or mental health impairment and its effect on their ability to say or do something to determine whether another person provided affirmative consent to sexual activity (Stream 1); and to provide expert evidence about the nature of sexual offences and the social, psychological and cultural factors that may affect the behaviour of a person who has been the victim, or who alleges that they have been the victim of a sexual offence (Stream 2). Stream 1 of the Panel commenced operation on 3 February 2025 with Stream 2 operations anticipated to commence later this year. Ahead of Stream 2’s commencement, applications will be sought from individuals who can demonstrate specialised knowledge, gained by training, study or experience, in a field of knowledge relevant to assessing the nature of sexual offences and the social, psychological and cultural factors that may affect the behaviour of a person who has been the victim, or who alleges that they have been the victim of a sexual offence (Stream 2 experts). Stream 2 experts appointed to the Panel will be required to: provide written reports to the referring party; and give evidence in Court as to their findings if required. These experts will be required to liaise with the Panel’s Program Team who will provide training to experts appointed to the panel; manage the referral process; and match the expert to a matter based on the expert’s field of expertise and the facts of a case. Stream 2 experts will be engaged via a Letter of Engagement for each matter allocated to them. NOTE: This application process relates only to Stream 2 experts. The Stream 1 application process has been finalised and no applications will be accepted for that Stream in this application round. Further information on Stream 1 can be found at the Panel’s webpage on the Queensland Courts website at https://www.courts.qld.gov.au/services/sexual-offence-expert-evidence-panel